Evelyn woke to the sound of muffled voices drifting through the grand estate. The world outside her window was still cloaked in darkness, with only the pale light of the moon illuminating the vast room. Something about the hushed tones unsettled her, stirring an unease deep within her chest.
She pushed the heavy blankets aside and tiptoed to the door, pressing her ear against the cool wooden surface. Theo's voice, deep and clipped, carried through the hallway, though she couldn't make out his words. Another voice, softer but urgent, answered him. The exchange felt heated, laced with tension.
Curiosity outweighed caution, and Evelyn carefully turned the doorknob, stepping into the dimly lit corridor. The flickering glow of candlelight guided her towards the grand staircase, where she caught sight of Theo standing near the entryway, speaking in hushed but firm tones with a man clad in a dark coat.
She hesitated at the top of the stairs. The other man's face was hidden beneath the shadow of his hat, but his rigid posture and the way he kept glancing toward the door made it clear—this was not a friendly visit.
"Do not concern yourself with matters beyond your place, Whitmore," the man said in a sharp whisper. "You've already drawn too much attention."
Theo's jaw tightened. "If you think I will turn a blind eye to what is happening, you have underestimated me."
A tense silence followed, and Evelyn held her breath, heart hammering. She knew she should return to her room, but the urge to understand Theo's secrets rooted her to the spot.
Finally, the stranger exhaled sharply. "Very well. But be warned—the past does not remain buried forever."
With that, he turned and disappeared into the night, the heavy doors closing behind him with an ominous thud.
Theo remained still for a moment before raking a hand through his hair in frustration. As if sensing her presence, his gaze lifted, locking onto her where she stood frozen at the top of the stairs.
"Eve," he said, his voice laced with something between concern and resignation. "You shouldn't be up."
She descended a few steps cautiously. "Who was that?"
For a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer. Then, with a weary sigh, he said, "A ghost from a past I'd rather forget."
Evelyn frowned, stepping closer. "Theo, what's going on? Who are you, really?"
He hesitated before responding, his blue eyes darkening with an unreadable emotion. "Someone who may not be able to protect you from what's coming."
A shiver ran down her spine. The secrets lurking within these walls were more dangerous than she had realized. And somehow, she was now entangled in them.